Pan-Pan Meaning in Sailing

Pan-Pan is the international radio signal used to declare an ‘urgency’ situation that is serious but does not pose an immediate danger to life or the vessel itself. It is the second-highest priority call, below ‘Mayday.’ Examples of Pan-Pan situations include a lost mast in calm weather, a fouled propeller, or a medical issue that is not life-threatening. One clear example involves a captain broadcasting ‘Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan’ to notify nearby ships and the Coast Guard that they have lost engine power near a shipping lane. This alerts authorities to monitor the situation in case it escalates into a full emergency. Using the correct signal ensures that rescue resources are prioritized correctly. It is a vital part of maritime communication and safety protocol.